Economics
Brent crude futures held above US$111 per barrel on Monday, supported by signs that the world's biggest economies are on a steady recovery path, but inventory data showing weak fuel demand in the United States curbed gains.
Gold inched up on Monday as lacklustre US jobs data supported expectations for continued monetary easing from the Federal Reserve, a session after concerns about the withdrawal of such a policy drove bullion to its lowest in over four months.
Gulf Arab markets are seen extending gains on Monday as many investors continue to increase their market exposure ahead of expected dividend payouts.
Current prices of $105 to $110 are “considered good” in light of the “circumstances” of some of the regional and international oil-producing countries, the UAE Minister of Energy Mohammed Dhaen Al Hamli has said.
Iranian deputy transport minister Shahriyar Afandizadeh has said over 8.48 million tonnes of goods have transited through the country in the first nine months of the current Iranian calendar year (started March 20, 2012).
Companies
Emirates will increase its daily A380 flights to Jeddah for four days in January to support demand during Dubai Shopping Festival and school holidays.
Bahrain Middle East Bank (B.S.C) announced the full repayment of a $17.4m legacy debt obligation – together with interest – as inherited by the present management who took charge of the institution's affairs in early 2009.
